Dec 13 2006
Hydro has formally opened a consultation process with employee representatives at the aluminium plant in Worcester, UK, relating to the redundancy of nearly 40 percent of the company's workforce.
By removing around 80 jobs from its automotive components facility in Worcester and warehouse in Wales, Hydro is adjusting to the decrease in volume that is projected for the plant next year.
The manning reductions will be completed by April 1, and will leave the company with about 140 employees.
"This adjustment is necessary for us to have the ability to win new orders in the automotive supply market," says Bob Dorney-Smith, the plant's managing director.
The Hydro plant in Worcester is one of the world's leading companies in the design and production of lightweight bonded aluminium frames for automobiles.
Since 1999, when the plant was opened, the company has delivered around 40,000 frames to customers like Aston Martin and Lotus. Other customers include BMW and Jaguar.
Sale process
The Worcester-based plant is part of Hydro's Automotive Structures business unit. Hydro announced recently that it intends to divest the business unit.
Dorney-Smith says the decision to divest should be positive for the Worcester plant.
"We need to further develop our niche competence to continue meeting the requirements of our customers," he says. "Hydro recognises that a new owner will better help secure our future."
Hydro embarked on the sales process in early November, and has set no timetable.